What I love about CS: Computer science is the tool box that allows you to solve meaningful problems in every discipline! I am trained as an aquatic ecologist and I use computer science every day to answer important questions about how to protect freshwater organisms such as fish and zooplankton. Once you learn the basics of computer science, you can chase any dream and work in any field!
What I love about COWGIRLS in STEM: COWGIRLS in STEM is very special to me. As the only female student in my undergraduate department, I routinely found myself wondering if I was capable of completing a degree and pursuing a career in computing. My accomplishment was consistently riddled with sentiments of unworthiness, lesser intelligence and a longing to ‘unlock the clubhouse door’. However, my trajectory was changed by Dr. Shereen Khoja, a professor of computer science and Director of G2CS (Girls Gather for Computer Science), an NSF funded month-long computer science summer camp for 7th and 8th grade girls. My role with G2CS provided me a unique perspective in this niche area and left me inspired and yearning for more. My experience with G2CS illuminated the power of females leading females in STEM and has inspired me to actively work towards furthering the inclusivity of this field. By providing youth with opportunities to engage with females in STEM and learn foundational computing skills at a pivotal time in their development, COWGIRLS in STEM can positively influence STEM identity, attitude, and social-emotional learning in tomorrow’s STEM leaders.
What I love about CS: Computer science is the tool box that allows you to solve meaningful problems in every discipline! I am trained as an aquatic ecologist and I use computer science every day to answer important questions about how to protect freshwater organisms such as fish and zooplankton. Once you learn the basics of computer science, you can chase any dream and work in any field!
What I love about COWGIRLS in STEM: COWGIRLS in STEM is very special to me. As the only female student in my undergraduate department, I routinely found myself wondering if I was capable of completing a degree and pursuing a career in computing. My accomplishment was consistently riddled with sentiments of unworthiness, lesser intelligence and a longing to ‘unlock the clubhouse door’. However, my trajectory was changed by Dr. Shereen Khoja, a professor of computer science and Director of G2CS (Girls Gather for Computer Science), an NSF funded month-long computer science summer camp for 7th and 8th grade girls. My role with G2CS provided me a unique perspective in this niche area and left me inspired and yearning for more. My experience with G2CS illuminated the power of females leading females in STEM and has inspired me to actively work towards furthering the inclusivity of this field. By providing youth with opportunities to engage with females in STEM and learn foundational computing skills at a pivotal time in their development, COWGIRLS in STEM can positively influence STEM identity, attitude, and social-emotional learning in tomorrow’s STEM leaders.
B.S. Computer Science, University of Wyoming
What I love about CS: I love that computer science is creative and allows me to apply my artistic side to my work. Computer science can be applied to so many domains and allows me to explore other fields that I would not be able to experience if I did not have this degree.
What I love about COWGIRLS in STEM: I love the opportunity to blend my two passions: computer science and education. Working with young women, getting them excited about CS, and watching their excitement grow throughout the week is incredibly rewarding.
Free time: I am a gravel bike enthusiast, programming maniac, and love nothing more than sharing the joy of computer science education!
Freshman at the University of Wyoming studying Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science
What I love about CS: My Favorite aspect of computer science is the ability to change domains. You can move from any interest of jobs (working for trees one day and airlines the next).
What I love about COWGIRLS in STEM: I love watching first hand girls fall in love with computer science. It is inspiring and pushes me to be a good role model for girls who want to go into STEM related jobs.
Free Time: I enjoy snow sports such as snowboarding and hockey in the summer. I love getting tan and being outside. I love spending time with family and friends. It always fills my heart to spend time with good people.
Freshman at the University of Wyoming studying Computer Science
What I love about CS: I love Computer Science because it’s so versatile. You have the power to invent and code anything you can dream of.
What I love about COWGIRLS in STEM: The best part about being a near-peer mentor is seeing the excitement that these young women have learning how fun STEM can be. The opportunities that Cowgirls in STEM gives young girls gives them new experiences and hopefully inspires them to further their aspirations and dreams. Even if they eventually decide that a career in STEM might not be for them, having those introductions and learning those skills can help in every aspect of life.
Free Time: In my free time I enjoy playing volleyball with my friends and reading a good book!
Geology & Geophysics Graduate Student at the University of Wyoming
What I love about CS: I love how it can make my everyday life easier, from creating wonderful visual aids in my data and performing complex calculations to how it has impacted the medical devices I wear. It opens a realm of possibilities that were unimaginable even a decade ago, and it’s only going to grow more amazing!
What I love about COWGIRLS in STEM: I love being able to connect with young kids over shared STEM interests, but my favorite part has to be the moment when you help a child get excited over something. When their eyes light up at all the possibilities and they step into their own agency… It's a defining experience. I was lucky enough to have mentors like that, and I’m honored to join my fellow women in STEM in passing the baton to future generations!
Free Time: In my freetime, I like to crochet, listen to audiobooks, and play games with my friends!
